Impact UK Location: Aldridge

REF impact found 2 Case Studies

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Summary of the impact

The zebra mussel is one of the world's most economically and ecologically
important pests, but existing control approaches cause significant
deleterious environmental effects. Researchers at the University of
Cambridge have developed a `BioBullet' against zebra mussels, which
encapsulates toxins in a harmless edible coat, enabling efficient,
targeted product delivery and dramatically reducing environmental
pollution. [text removed for publication] Further successful formulations
are being developed by the researchers and the company for fouling in
shrimp farms and enhancing shellfish aquaculture.

Submitting Institution

University of Cambridge

Unit of Assessment

Biological Sciences

Summary Impact Type

Environmental

Research Subject Area(s)

Summary of the impact

Leicester's world-leading research into exceptionally well preserved
fossils has crucially
underpinned the successful establishment of a new UNESCO World Heritage
Site in China. The
Chengjiang Fossil Site in Yunnan Province is officially recognised by
UNESCO as having
"Outstanding Universal Value", containing fossils of soft-bodied sea-life
dating from 530 million
years ago. The fossils occur in a region where the minerals industry is a
key economic driver:
granting of World Heritage Site (WHS) status has removed the threat of
encroaching commercial
mining activities, secured conservation of the site, and paved the way for
further sustainable, non-invasive
tourism. The same research serves as a vehicle for raising awareness about
the evolution
of life, the history of biodiversity and the importance of `blue skies'
research in the UK.